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Joyce Annette Clark

Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, Aug 14, 2007 - 05:17:24 am MST

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Nov. 10, 1937 - Aug. 9, 2007

Joyce died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Aug. 9, 2007, after a yearlong struggle with cancer.

Joyce was born in Phoenix, Ariz., to the late Dr. and Mrs. Henry G. Williams, attended high school at West Phoenix High School and completed her BS degree in Mathematics at the University of Arizona. In 1960 she moved to Sierra Vista, Ariz., and for the next 44 years she did what she loved: teaching math to middle school students. She helped shape the lives of many students, instilling an appreciation for math and learning.

In addition to teaching, Joyce was active in the Sierra Vista Classroom Teachers Association and held various offices locally, including president.

She also served on statewide committees, including the committee to develop the AIMS test. She worked tirelessly to improve the educational environment for both students and teachers. She was awarded the Christa McAuliffe “I Touch the Future I Teach” Award as Arizona’s outstanding teacher in 1993.

In addition to teaching, Joyce loved antiquing, especially for linens, Duncan Miller swans, pressed and cut glass, and vintage watches.

She turned this passion into a business and sold antiques in stores in both Bisbee and Sierra Vista.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Howard; their children, Stephanie (Dave) and Steve (Laurie); and Steve and Laurie’s children, Austin and Aidan. She also leaves her brother, Dr. Henry Williams (Gwen) of Bellevue, Wash.; her sister, Margaret (Bob) of Miami, Fla.; her sister-in-law, Juanita Williams of Tempe, Ariz.; her cousin, Randy Robinson of Del Mar, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Emily Anne; her parents; and her brothers, Jim and Paul Williams.

The funeral service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug.16, 2007 at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 800 N. Taylor Drive, Sierra Vista. Father Gregory Adolph will be the officiant.

Interment will be Friday, Aug. 17, 2007, at 10 a.m. at Cochise Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Casa de la Paz Hospice, 300 El Camino Real, Sierra Vista AZ 85635; the American Cancer Society, 2160 E. Fry Blvd., Suite C5 #343, Sierra Vista AZ 85635; or the St. Andrew the Apostle Building Fund, 800 N. Taylor Drive, Sierra Vista AZ 85635.

Arrangements are by the Hatfield Funeral Home.

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Judith Holtry wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:59 AM:

" Joyce was a role model for all the lives she touched including students, friends, and colleagues as she exhibited professionalism, warmth, concern, and class in all matters. Her buoyant spirit and natural optimism were always displayed in a smile that dazzled. Our thoughts and loving support are with Howie and family. "

Ups Local 104 wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:40 PM:

" Mr Clark, We feel your pain of lost one. Your Wife Joyce was one of the first to support us on our srike. I 1987 not many people in this small of a town, whould think twice to support a strike. But your wife and the other Union members from the teacher union did, and we thank them for that. You don't find many like Joyce special like you wife Joyce, Are Prays are with you and your family. Joyce is at peace now and she would want all of you to go on. God Bless Local 104 UPS "

C. Casteel wrote on Aug 16, 2007 6:30 AM:

" My Prayers go out to Joyce's family. Joyce always stood up for those who needed help. Joyce was a blessing to me when my husband (Jim) was killed with different matters that needed to be taken care of though the school. "

Jessica wrote on Aug 14, 2007 10:17 AM:

" I had Mrs. Clark as a teacher in the early 90s. Until this day, she still remembered me. I'm very fortunate to witness and experience her passion of teaching. Throughout my educational career, I would always remember her techniques and tricks. Thank you Mrs. Clark. You will be greatly missed! "

One of her students Class of 87 wrote on Aug 14, 2007 8:48 AM:

" I had Mrs. Clark in middle school as well as her husband. I was friends with her very missed daughter Emily. Mrs. Clark was a gem as was Emily now, they are together. My thoughts are with the Clark family and friends. "